One of the defining features of international relations at any point in history has been the distribution of power among the major states and the character of the political, economic, and military relationships among them. This course draws from the major schools of international relations theory to explore the underlying causes of war and peace among great powers, from the clash between Athens and Sparta in the 5th Century B.C., to great power politics of the 19th Century, the World Wars of the early 20th Century, and the Cold War between the United States and the USSR. The course concludes by examining how we might apply the theoretical and historical lessons of earlier periods to the challenge of great power politics among the United States, China, and Russia in the 21st Century.
This course uses the foundation provided by SS307/357 to provide cadets with an in-depth assessment of the field of international relations. The course begins by evaluating alternative theoretical perspectives, including realism, liberalism/institutionalism, and constructivism. Cadets are introduced to classic as well as contemporary works, which are examined in terms of their cultural, political, and academic context. Cadets examine topical cases pertaining to war, wealth, and state formation/transformation. Throughout the course, cadets explore the value and limitations of IR theory in framing and implementing policy.
Lessons
30 @ 75 min (2.000 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
Two short papers (1000-1500 words each), book review, compensatory time provided.
This course uses the foundation provided by SS307/357 to provide cadets with an in-depth assessment of the field of international relations. The course begins by evaluating alternative theoretical perspectives, including realism, liberalism/institutionalism, and constructivism. Cadets are introduced to classic as well as contemporary works, which are examined in terms of their cultural, political, and academic context. Cadets examine topical cases pertaining to war, wealth, and state formation/transformation. Throughout the course, cadets explore the value and limitations of IR theory in framing and implementing policy.
Lessons
40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
Two short papers (1000-1500 words each), book review, compensatory time provided.
This course uses the foundation provided by SS307/357 to provide cadets with an in-depth assessment of the field of international relations. The course begins by evaluating alternative theoretical perspectives, including realism, liberalism/institutionalism, and constructivism. Cadets are introduced to classic as well as contemporary works, which are examined on empirical grounds but also in terms of their cultural, political, and academic context. Cadets examine topical cases pertaining to war, wealth, and state formation/transformation. Throughout the course, cadets explore the value and limitations of IR theory in framing and implementing policy.
Lessons
40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
Two short papers (1000-1500 words each), book review, compensatory time provided.
This course uses the foundation provided by SS307/357 to provide cadets with an in-depth look at the field of international relations. The course begins by inspecting alternative views of theory in general and political science in particular. Cadets are introduced to classic as well as contemporary works in the context of their times. Cadets examine topical cases pertaining to war, wealth, and state formation and transformation. Throughout the course, students explore the value and limitations of theoretical approaches to social science as well as their utility in making and implementing policy.
Lessons
40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
Two short papers (1000-1500 words each); book review, compensatory time provided.
